Towed snowplow and method for plowing snow from pavement

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a snowplow arranged to be towed behind a vehicle. The towed snowplow comprises: a frame removably securable to the vehicle; at least one moldboard mounted to said frame and extending under said frame; and at least one pivotable side wing plow mounted to one side of the frame and configurable between a non-operative configuration and a snow plowing configuration in which the at least one pivotable side wing plow extends laterally from the side of the frame. It also relates to a method for plowing snow using a towed snowplow.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 USC§119(e) of US provisionalpatent application 61/806,142 filed on Mar. 28, 2013, the specificationof which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to plows and, more particularly, tosnowplows configured for clearing snow from pavement. It also relates toa method for plowing snow from pavement.

BACKGROUND

Snow is typically removed from roads, highways, and runways by avehicle, such as a truck, having a moldboard mounted at a front endthereof. Optionally, the vehicle can include a wing plow mounted at oneside of the vehicle to extend the width of the lane that can be plowedby the vehicle. The vehicle can further include a bin to carry agranular material, such as salt or sand, which is spread on thepavement. However, the quantity of granular material that can be carriedis limited. Furthermore, the vehicle that includes these features islimited to snow removal operations and cannot be used for other tasksbetween snow removal operations.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the abovementioned issues.

According to a general aspect, there is provided a snowplow arranged tobe towed behind a vehicle, comprising a frame removably securable to thevehicle and having a longitudinal axis; at least one moldboard mountedto said frame and extending under said frame; and at least one pivotableside wing plow mounted to one side of the frame and configurable betweena non-operative configuration and a snow plowing configuration in whichthe at least one pivotable side wing plow extends laterally from theside of the frame.

In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow istranslatable laterally with respect to the frame between a retractedconfiguration and an expanded configuration. The at least one pivotableside wing plow can be mounted to said frame through an attachmentassembly comprising at least one translatable arm slidably mounted tothe frame and at least one linear actuator operatively connected to theframe and the at least one translatable arm to translate the at leastone translatable arm between the retracted configuration and theexpanded configuration, wherein the at least one pivotable side wingplow has a distal end operatively connected to the at least onetranslatable arm.

In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow is mountedrearwardly of the at least one moldboard.

In an embodiment, the at least one side wing plow comprises a proximalend pivotally connected to the frame and a distal end, the distal endbeing connected rearwardly to the frame with respect to the proximalend. The snowplow can further comprise non-steerable wheels mounted tothe frame and supporting the frame on a ground surface and wherein theproximal end of the at least one pivotable side wing plow is connectedforwardly of the non-steerable wheels. In an embodiment, at least one ofthe at least one moldboard is mounted forwardly of the non-steerablewheels.

In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow defines anoblique angle with the longitudinal axis of the frame. In an embodiment,the at least one moldboard defines an oblique angle with thelongitudinal axis of the frame.

In an embodiment, the at least one moldboard is selectively configurablein a snow plowing configuration and a non-operative configuration.

In an embodiment, the snowplow further comprises at least one granularmaterial bin mounted to an upper surface of said frame.

In an embodiment, the frame is detachably securable to a towing engine.The towing engine comprises an articulated trailer coupling and arearmost axle, the articulated trailer coupling being mounted forwardlyof the rearmost axle, and the snowplow comprises a towing enginecoupling engageable and detachably securable to the articulated trailercoupling. At least one of the at least one moldboard can be mountedrearwardly of the towing engine coupling. A front section of the framecan be superposed to a rear section of the towing engine when securedtogether.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a combination ofa towing engine and a towed snowplow, wherein the towing enginecomprises a fifth-wheel coupling and the towed snowplow comprises aframe with a coupling pin removably engageable with the fifth-wheelcoupling and a longitudinal axis; at least one moldboard mounted to saidframe and extending under said frame; and at least one pivotable sidewing plow mounted to one side of the frame and configurable between anon-operative configuration and a snow plowing configuration in whichthe at least one pivotable side wing plow extends laterally from theside of the frame.

In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow istranslatable laterally with respect to the frame between a retractedconfiguration and an expanded configuration.

The at least one pivotable side wing plow can be mounted to said framethrough an attachment assembly comprising at least one translatable armslidably mounted to the frame and at least one linear actuatoroperatively connected to the frame and the at least one translatable armto translate the at least one translatable arm between the retractedconfiguration and the expanded configuration, wherein the at least onepivotable side wing plow has a distal end operatively connected to theat least one translatable arm.

In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow is mountedrearwardly of the at least one moldboard.

In an embodiment, the at least one side wing plow comprises a proximalend pivotally connected to the frame and a distal end, the distal endbeing connected rearwardly to the frame with respect to the proximalend. The towing engine and towed snowplow combination can furthercomprise non-steerable wheels mounted to the frame and supporting theframe on a ground surface and wherein the proximal end of the at leastone pivotable side wing plow is connected forwardly of the non-steerablewheels. In an embodiment, at least one of the at least one moldboard ismounted forwardly of the non-steerable wheels.

In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow defines anoblique angle with the longitudinal axis of the frame. In an embodiment,the at least one moldboard defines an oblique angle with thelongitudinal axis of the frame.

In an embodiment, the at least one moldboard is selectively configurablein a snow plowing configuration and a non-operative configuration.

The towing engine and towed snowplow combination can further comprise atleast one granular material bin mounted to an upper surface of saidframe.

The towing engine can comprise a rearmost axle with the fifth-wheelcoupling being mounted forwardly of the rearmost axle and at least oneof the at least one moldboard is mounted rearwardly of the pin coupling.

In an embodiment, a front section of the frame is superposed to a rearsection of the towing engine when secured together.

According to still another general aspect, there is provided a methodfor plowing snow from pavement. The method comprises: towing a framebehind a towing engine from a fifth wheel coupling; and lowering atleast one moldboard mounted to said frame and extending under said frameand at least one pivotable side wing plow mounted to one side of theframe from a non-operative configuration into a snow plowingconfiguration wherein the at least one moldboard and the at least onepivotable side wing plow removes snow from pavement and the at least onepivotable side wing plow extends laterally from the side of the frame.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises translating laterally theat least one pivotable side wing plow with respect to the frame betweena retracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises spreading at least onegranular material from at least one granular material bin mounted to anupper surface of said frame.

In this specification, the terms “forward” and “rearward” areinterpreted with respect to a travel direction of the towed snowplow.

The present document refers to a number of documents, the contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a right and front side perspective view of a towed snowplowmounted to a towing engine in accordance with an embodiment, wherein amoldboard and one of the two side wing plows of the towed snowplow areconfigured in a snow plowing configuration and the other one of the twoside wing plows of the towed snowplow is configured in a non-operativeconfiguration;

FIG. 2 is a right and rear side perspective view of the towed snowplowshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the towed snowplow shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the towed snowplow shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the towed snowplow shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the towed snowplow shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the towed snowplow shown in FIG. 1wherein both side wing plows are configured in a retracted snow plowingconfiguration;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the towed snowplow shown in FIG. 1wherein both side wing plows are configured in an expanded snow plowingconfiguration;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view, enlarged, of one of the side wing plowsshown in FIG. 8 in the expanded snow plowing configuration.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like featuresare identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, referring to FIGS.1 to 6, there is shown a towed snowplow 20 in accordance with anembodiment. The towed snowplow is detachably attached to a towing engine21. In the embodiment shown, the towing engine 21 is a semi-trailertruck, or truck tractor, having an articulated trailer coupling 23, suchas fifth wheel coupling (horse-shoe shaped coupling device), forreceiving a semi-trailer and pulling same. The trailer coupling 23 isnot provided at the rear of the towing engine 21 but is provided forwardits rearmost axle 22 in a manner such that part of the weight of thetrailer is carried by the towing engine 21. In an embodiment (notshown), the towing engine 21 can be provided with moldboard(s) such asand without being limitative a front moldboard for snow plowing.

The towed snowplow 20 comprises a frame 24, which can be a semi-trailerframe (or bed), i.e. without front axle. The frame 24 is relatively longin comparison to its width and has a longitudinal axis 25. In anembodiment, a front section of the frame 24 comprises a towing enginecoupling (not shown), such as and without being limitative a kingpin.The front section of the frame 24 is superposed to a rear section of thetowing engine 21, when engaged together. The frame 24 is supported onthe ground by a plurality of wheels 26, mounted on axles. In anembodiment, the wheels 26 are non-pivotable wheels, i.e. the wheels arenon-steerable and have a fixed orientation relatively to thelongitudinal axis 25.

A moldboard 28 is mounted to and under the frame 24. The moldboard 28 ismounted forwardly, with respect to a forward travel direction of thetowed snowplow 20, of all the wheels 26, i.e. the towed snowplow 20 isfree of wheels 26 mounted forwardly of the moldboard 28. The moldboard28 is also mounted rearwardly of the towing engine coupling. In anembodiment, the moldboard 28 defines an oblique angle with thelongitudinal axis 25 of the frame 24, i.e. an angle that is not a rightangle or a multiple of a right angle with the longitudinal axis 25 ofthe frame 24, to induce the snow to flow laterally towards the ejectionend of the moldboard, The ejection end of the moldboard being therearwardly configured end of the moldboard.

The moldboard 28 is mounted to the frame 24 through an arrangementadapted to selectively raise and lower the moldboard 28 with respect tothe frame 24 and the ground to be plowed. The moldboard 28 can bemounted to the frame 24 using any suitable, conventional mountingarrangement such as described in Canadian patent application no.2.688.936 published on Jun. 21, 2011. The moldboard 28 is configurablein a non-operative configuration wherein the moldboard 28 is raised fromthe ground and a snow plowing (or operative) configuration wherein themoldboard 28 is lowered and close to or in contact with the ground (orpavement) to be plowed. For instance, hydraulic cylinder(s) 29 can beused to lower and raise the moldboard 28 with respect to ground.

In the embodiment shown, only one moldboard 28 is carried by the frame24. However, in alternative embodiment, a plurality of moldboards 28 canbe mounted to the frame 24 and extend under the latter. The moldboardscan be spaced-apart along the longitudinal axis 25 of the frame and/orcan be mounted on the frame in a side by side manner. In an embodiment,the moldboard 28 is mounted forwardly of the wheels 26, with respect toa forward travel direction of the towed snowplow. In an embodiment, asshown in FIG. 4, part of the moldboard 28 extends outwardly andlaterally past the frame 24 on both sides thereof. However, inalternative embodiments, the moldboard 28 can extend outwardly andlaterally past the frame 24 on only one side thereof or can extendentirely under the frame 24.

Two side wing plows 30 are also mounted to the frame 24, each beingmounted on a respective side thereof. In the embodiment shown, the sidewing plows 30 are mounted to the frame 24 rearwardly of the moldboard28. The side wing plows 30 are mounted laterally with respect to theframe 24, i.e. a majority thereof does not extend under the frame 24. Inthe embodiment shown, the entire side wing plows 30 extend aside theframe 24, each on a respective side of the frame 24. The side wing plows30 are mounted to the frame 24 through an arrangement adapted toselectively raise and lower the side wing plows 30 with respect to theframe 24 and the ground to be plowed. In the embodiment shown, the sidewing plows 30 are configured in the non-operative configuration and snowplowing configuration by the hydraulic cylinder 31. The side wing plows30 are configurable in a non-operative configuration wherein the sidewing plows 30 are raised from the ground and a plurality of snow plowing(or operative) configurations wherein the side wing plows 30 are loweredand close to or in contact with the ground (or pavement) to be plowed.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the right side wing plow 30 isconfigured in the snow plowing configuration while the left side wingplow 30 is configured in the non-operative configuration. The side wingplows 30 can be configured simultaneously in the same configuration,either the non-operative configuration or the snow plowingconfiguration. For instance, FIGS. 7 and 8 shows both side wing plows 30configured in the snow plowing configuration.

In the snow plowing (or operative) configurations, the side wing plows30 define an oblique angle with the longitudinal axis 25 of the frame24. In an embodiment, the angle defined between the side wing plows 30and the longitudinal axis 25 of the frame 24 can be adjustable. Forinstance, in the embodiment shown, a proximal end of the side wing plows30 is pivotally mounted to the frame 24 and a distal end of the sidewing plows 30 are operatively connected to the frame 24 throughhydraulic cylinders 32. To adjust the angle defined between the sidewing plows 30 and the longitudinal axis 25 of the frame 24, the lengthof the hydraulic cylinders 32 can be controlled.

In the embodiment shown, the towed snowplow 20 includes two side wingplows, each being mounted on a respective side of the frame 24. However,in an alternative embodiment, the towed snowplow 20 can include only oneside wing plow 30 mounted on one lateral side thereof. In still anotheralternative embodiment, the towed snowplow 20 can include more than oneside wing plow 30 on each lateral side thereof.

The proximal end of the side wing plows 30 is connected to the frame 24forwardly of the connection between the distal end of the side wingplows 30 and the frame 24. In the embodiment shown, the proximal end ofthe side wing plows 30 is mounted forwardly of the wheels 26 while thedistal end of the side wing plows 30 is mounted between wheel setssupporting the frame 24 on the ground. However, in an alternativeembodiment, the configuration of the side wing plows 30 can vary fromthe embodiment shown. For instance and without being limitative, thedistal end of the side wing plows 30 can be connected to the framerearwardly of the wheels 26, i.e. behind all of the axles.

In the embodiment shown, the moldboard 28 is mounted to the frame 24forwardly to the side wing plows 30, with respect to a forward traveldirection of the towed snowplow 20. However, in alternative embodiments(not shown), moldboard(s) can be provided rearwardly of the side wingplows 30.

In an embodiment, the side wing plows 30 can be translatable laterallybetween an expanded configuration and a retracted configuration. Theycan be secured to the frame 24 through a side wing attachment whichallows the side wing plows 30 to be displaced laterally with respect tothe frame 24. Therefore, it is possible to increase the width of thestrip of pavement that can be cleared of snow in a single pass. Thus, inthe expanded configuration, the side wing plow 30 is configured fartherfrom the frame 24 than in the retracted configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the attachment assembly of the side wingplows 30 will be described in more details. The side wing plows 30 aresecured to the frame 24 and, more particularly, they are pivotallymounted to the frame 24. More particularly, the proximal end of the sidewing plows 30 is pivotally mounted to the frame 24, forwardly of theconnection of the distal end of the side wing plow 30 and the frame 24.The proximal end of the side wing plows 30 is pivotally mounted to beconfigurable in a configuration wherein the side wing plow 30 extendssubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 25 and a configurationwherein the side wing plow 30 define an oblique axis with thelongitudinal axis 25. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the proximal endof the side wing plows 30 is pivotally mounted to be configurable in thenon-operative configuration wherein the side wing plow 30 is raised fromthe ground and a plurality of snow plowing (or operative) configurationswherein the side wing plow 30 is lowered and close to or in contact withthe ground (or pavement) to be plowed.

The distal end of the side wing plows 30 is secured to the frame 24 witha pivot assembly which allows the side wing plows 30 to be pivotedlaterally by extending or retracting the hydraulic cylinders 32connecting the frame 24 to the distal end of the side wing plows 30.Thus, as mentioned above, the angle defined between the longitudinalaxis 25 of the frame 24 and the side wing plows 30 can be varied byadjusting the length of the hydraulic cylinders 32. The proximal anddistal ends of the hydraulic cylinders 32 are pivotally connected to theframe 24 and the side wing plows 30, as will be described in moredetails below. The pivot assembly also allows the side wing plows 30 tobe pivoted vertically between the lowered snow plowing configuration anda non-operative and raised configuration. As mentioned above, expansionand contraction of the hydraulic cylinder 31 extending between the twohydraulic cylinders 32 configures the side wing plows 30 between thelowered snow plowing configuration and the non-operative raisedconfiguration. The hydraulic cylinder 31 has a proximal end pivotallymounted to the frame 24 and adjacent to the proximal end of a lower oneof the hydraulic cylinders 32 and a distal end pivotally mounted to anupper one of the hydraulic cylinders 32, between its proximal and distalends.

As shown in FIG. 9, the attachment assembly further includes a frame 34secured to the frame 24 and including two translatable arms 36, for eachside wing plow 30, operatively connected to actuators, such as hydrauliccylinders (not shown). A connecting member 37 connects a distal end ofboth translatable arms 36. The proximal end of the hydraulic cylinders31, 32 is secured to the connecting member 37, close to a respective oneof the translatable arms 36. More particularly, the proximal end of thehydraulic cylinders 32 is pivotally mounted to the connecting member 37.Upon actuation of the actuators, the translatable arms 36 translatewithin the frame 34 between a retracted configuration shown in FIG. 7,corresponding to the retracted configuration of the side wing plow 30,and an expanded configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, corresponding tothe expanded configuration of the side wing plow 30. Therefore, the sidewing plows 30 can be further translated laterally, as described above,to increase the width of the strip of pavement that can be cleared ofsnow in a single pass.

The attachment assembly to translate laterally the side wing plows 30can vary from the embodiment shown and described above. Furthermore, theproximal end of the side wing plows 30 can be also provided with anattachment assembly allowing lateral translation thereof. The attachmentassembly can be similar to the one provided for the distal end. However,instead of securing the proximal end of the hydraulic cylinder to aconnecting member, the proximal end of the side wing plows can bedirectly or indirectly secured to the attachment assembly.

It is appreciated that in alternative embodiments (not shown), thehydraulic cylinders 29, 31, 32 can be replaced with any other suitableactuators such as and without being Limitative linear actuators.

In an embodiment, the side wing plows 30 can range between about 10 feetto 16 feet and the frame 24 can have a length between 24 feet to 48feet.

The moldboard 28 and the side wing plows 30 can be configured so as tobe raised and lowered individually or simultaneously, as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the towed snowplow 20 is also provided withgranular material storage bin(s) 50 (or containers), mounted to an uppersurface of the frame 24, to contain for granular material such as salt,sand, gravel, etc. In the embodiment shown, the towed snowplow 20comprises one bin 50 having two compartments 52 designed to receive twogranular materials therein. In an alternative embodiment, the towedsnowplow 20 can also be provided with one or several tanks forcontaining fluids such as deicing fluids. The towed snowplow 20 can beprovided with a combination of bin(s) and tank(s). The towed snowplow 20also comprises equipment for spreading or spraying the materialcontained in the bin(s) and/or tank(s). In the embodiment shown, thetowed snowplow 20 comprises a conveyor 54 extending transversallybetween the two compartments 52 for distributing the granular materialscontained in both compartments 52, as described in US patent applicationno. 2012/0126023 published on May 24, 2012. In the embodiment shown, thegranular material spreader 54 is mounted to the frame 24 forwardly to atleast one wheel 26 of the snowplow 20. In the embodiment shown, thegranular material spreader 54 is mounted to the frame 24 forwardly ofthe entire wheel set 26 of the snowplow 20. In addition to containingmaterial which can be spread or sprayed on the ground, the bin(s) and/ortank(s) carried by the frame 24 provide ballast on the frame 24 whichimproves traction, especially in icy pavement conditions, and preventthe towed snowplow 20 from pivoting about an axis defined by the trailercoupling 23 when plowing snow. In an embodiment, additional weight canalso be added to prevent lateral displacement of the towed snowplow 20with respect to the towing engine 21.

In the embodiment shown, the towed snowplow 20 is configured to plowsimultaneously on both the left and the right of the towing engine 21.However, the towed snowplow 20 can be arranged to plow on one of theleft and the right sides of the towing engine 21.

For a snow removal operation, the towed snowplow 20 is secured to atowing engine 21. Then, the towed snowplow 20 is towed being the towingengine and the moldboard(s) 28 and the side wing plow(s) 30 areselectively lowered, i.e. they are configured in the snow plowingconfiguration for snow removal.

As desired, the towed snowplow 20 can be hooked and unhooked from thetowing engine 21. Thus, the towing engine 21 can be used for towingother equipment between snow removal operations.

Moreover, although the embodiments of the towed snowplow andcorresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometricalconfigurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of thesecomponents and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken intheir restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to aperson skilled in the art, that other suitable components andcooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometricalconfigurations, may be used for the towed snowplow, as will be brieflyexplained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a personskilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positionaldescriptions such as “above”, “below”, “left”, “right” and the likeshould, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of thefigures and should not be considered limiting.

It will be appreciated that the methods described herein may beperformed in the described order, or in any other suitable order.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described andillustrated herein. The embodiments described above are intended to beexemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciatethe features of the individual embodiments, and the possiblecombinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinaryskill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodimentscould be provided in any combination with the other embodimentsdisclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or centralcharacteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments,therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details givenherein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have beenillustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind withoutsignificantly departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope ofthe invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A snowplow arranged to be towed behind a vehicle, comprising a frameremovably securable to the vehicle and having a longitudinal axis; atleast one moldboard mounted to said frame and extending under saidframe; and at least one pivotable side wing plow mounted to one side ofthe frame and configurable between a non-operative configuration and asnow plowing configuration in which the at least one pivotable side wingplow extends laterally from the side of the frame.
 2. The snowplow asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pivotable side wing plow istranslatable laterally with respect to the frame between a retractedconfiguration and an expanded configuration.
 3. The snowplow as claimedin claim 2, wherein the at least one pivotable side wing plow is mountedto said frame through an attachment assembly comprising at least onetranslatable arm slidably mounted to the frame and at least one linearactuator operatively connected to the frame and the at least onetranslatable arm to translate the at least one translatable arm betweenthe retracted configuration and the expanded configuration, wherein theat least one pivotable side wing plow has a distal end operativelyconnected to the at least one translatable arm.
 4. The snowplow asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pivotable side wing plow ismounted rearwardly of the at least one moldboard.
 5. The snowplow asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one side wing plow comprises aproximal end pivotally connected to the frame and a distal end, thedistal end being connected rearwardly to the frame with respect to theproximal end.
 6. The snowplow as claimed in claim 5, further comprisingnon-steerable wheels mounted to the frame and supporting the frame on aground surface and wherein the proximal end of the at least onepivotable side wing plow is connected forwardly of the non-steerablewheels and at least one of the at least one moldboard is mountedforwardly of the non-steerable wheels.
 7. The snowplow as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the at least one pivotable side wing plow in the snowplowing configuration and the at least one moldboard define an obliqueangle with the longitudinal axis of the frame.
 8. The snowplow asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one moldboard is selectivelyconfigurable in a snow plowing configuration and a non-operativeconfiguration.
 9. The snowplow as claimed in claim 1, further comprisingat least one granular material bin mounted to an upper surface of saidframe.
 10. The snowplow as claimed in claim 1, wherein the towing enginecomprises an articulated trailer coupling and a rearmost axle, thearticulated trailer coupling being mounted forwardly of the rearmostaxle, and the snowplow comprises a towing engine coupling engageable anddetachably securable to the articulated trailer coupling.
 11. Thesnowplow as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of the at leastone moldboard is mounted rearwardly of the towing engine coupling. 12.The snowplow as claimed in claim 1, wherein a front section of the frameis superposed to a rear section of the towing engine when securedtogether.
 13. A combination of a towing engine and a towed snowplow,wherein the towing engine comprises a fifth-wheel coupling and the towedsnowplow comprises a frame with a coupling pin removably engageable withthe fifth-wheel coupling and a longitudinal axis; at least one moldboardmounted to said frame and extending under said frame; and at least onepivotable side wing plow mounted to one side of the frame andconfigurable between a non-operative configuration and a snow plowingconfiguration in which the at least one pivotable side wing plow extendslaterally from the side of the frame.
 14. The towing engine and towedsnowplow combination as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least onepivotable side wing plow is translatable laterally with respect to theframe between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration.15. The towing engine and towed snowplow combination as claimed in claim14, wherein the at least one pivotable side wing plow is mounted to saidframe through an attachment assembly comprising at least onetranslatable arm slidably mounted to the frame and at least one linearactuator operatively connected to the frame and the at least onetranslatable arm to translate the at least one translatable arm betweenthe retracted configuration and the expanded configuration, wherein theat least one pivotable side wing plow has a distal end operativelyconnected to the at least one translatable arm.
 16. The towing engineand towed snowplow combination as claimed in claim 13, wherein the atleast one pivotable side wing plow is mounted rearwardly of the at leastone moldboard.
 17. The towing engine and towed snowplow combination asclaimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one side wing plow comprises aproximal end pivotally connected to the frame and a distal end, thedistal end being connected rearwardly to the frame with respect to theproximal end.
 18. The towing engine and towed snowplow combination asclaimed in claim 17, further comprising non-steerable wheels mounted tothe frame and supporting the frame on a ground surface and wherein theproximal end of the at least one pivotable side wing plow is connectedforwardly of the non-steerable wheels and at least one of the at leastone moldboard is mounted forwardly of the non-steerable wheels.
 19. Thetowing engine and towed snowplow combination as claimed in claim 13,wherein the at least one pivotable side wing plow in the snow plowingconfiguration and the at least one moldboard define an oblique anglewith the longitudinal axis of the frame.
 20. The towing engine and towedsnowplow combination as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least onemoldboard is selectively configurable in a snow plowing configurationand a non-operative configuration.
 21. The towing engine and towedsnowplow combination as claimed in claim 13, further comprising at leastone granular material bin mounted to an upper surface of said frame. 22.The towing engine and towed snowplow combination as claimed in claim 13,wherein the towing engine comprises a rearmost axle with the fifth-wheelcoupling being mounted forwardly of the rearmost axle and at least oneof the at least one moldboard is mounted rearwardly of the pin couplingand wherein a front section of the frame is superposed to a rear sectionof the towing engine when secured together.
 23. A method for plowingsnow from pavement, the method comprising: towing a frame behind atowing engine from a fifth wheel coupling; and lowering at least onemoldboard mounted to said frame and extending under said frame and atleast one pivotable side wing plow mounted to one side of the frame froma non-operative configuration into a snow plowing configuration whereinthe at least one moldboard and the at least one pivotable side wing plowremoves snow from pavement and the at least one pivotable side wing plowextends laterally from the side of the frame.
 24. The method as claimedin claim 23, further comprising: translating laterally the at least onepivotable side wing plow with respect to the frame between a retractedconfiguration and an expanded configuration and further comprisingspreading at least one granular material from at least one granularmaterial bin mounted to an upper surface of said frame.